Lyft and United Airlines Revolutionize Rideshare with Miles Redemption Option

In a landmark announcement made on April 29, 2026, Lyft Inc. (Nasdaq: LYFT) and United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAL) unveiled a trailblazing initiative that allows MileagePlus® members to redeem their airline loyalty miles directly within the Lyft app for eligible rides. This first-of-its-kind feature in the U.S. marks a significant milestone in the integration of travel and mobility services, providing users with unprecedented flexibility to utilize their miles both for air travel and ground transportation.

The "Pay with Miles" feature is available immediately to all MileagePlus® members who link their United and Lyft accounts. The linking process is straightforward and free, significantly enhancing the user experience by allowing members to redeem miles for various ride types, including everyday rides, airport trips, and premium services. Users can opt to pay for a ride entirely with miles or combine miles with traditional payment methods if they do not have sufficient miles to cover the fare.

Jordan Glassberg, VP of Partnerships and Loyalty at Lyft, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "Every ride should move you forward — in more ways than one. Pay with miles means that the miles you've earned on your last rideshare can help get you to your next one." This initiative deepens the relationship between Lyft and United, aiming to create a more rewarding travel experience for customers.

Jarad Fisher, President of United MileagePlus, emphasized the importance of this new feature, noting, "We’re giving MileagePlus members more ways to use their miles – whether it’s booking a United flight to a dream destination or traveling across town to meet up with friends through Lyft." The ability to redeem miles for rides not only enhances customer engagement but also showcases the demand for versatile loyalty programs that connect air travel and ground transportation.

MileagePlus® members will see the new "pay with miles" option in the Lyft app when requesting a ride. Before confirming their booking, members can review the number of miles they wish to redeem. After completing their ride, users will receive a receipt detailing the miles redeemed and the corresponding deduction from the total fare.

This new feature builds upon a partnership launched in November 2025 that allowed MileagePlus® members to earn miles on eligible Lyft rides, creating a robust loyalty ecosystem. Members can earn:

Additionally, new Lyft riders who link their MileagePlus® accounts and complete two rides within 30 days will receive 1,000 bonus MileagePlus miles, further incentivizing user engagement. Notably, joining the MileagePlus program is free, and miles do not expire, making it an attractive option for frequent travelers.

With the introduction of the Pay with Miles feature, Lyft and United are setting a new standard for collaboration between rideshare and airline services. This innovative approach not only allows members to earn and redeem miles through Lyft but also creates a seamless travel experience that enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty. As both companies continue to explore new avenues for partnership, the future looks promising for the integration of air and ground transportation.

For further details on how to link existing MileagePlus and Lyft accounts, visit United’s website.